Greece is advancing legislation to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social networking services, including Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Expected to take effect on 1 January 2027, the framework would give platforms time to prepare while making them responsible for verifying users’ ages. The proposals were presented by ministers Akis Skertsos, Adonis Georgiadis and Dimitris Papastergiou. Parliamentary committee consideration is scheduled for 13 October, followed by debate and a final plenary vote on 22 October.
Kids Wallet and Gov.gr Wallet are expected to support implementation through digital ‘age tokens’. These would confirm whether a user meets the threshold without disclosing full identity details or unnecessary sensitive information. Platforms could adopt alternative technical solutions compliant with European law, rather than being required to use a single technology. Verification methods must be accurate, effective in real-world conditions and resistant to circumvention. Oversight would operate through the EU’s Digital Services Act, particularly its provisions protecting minors. Greece’s National Telecommunications and Post Commission would lead coordination, with broadcasting and data protection authorities involved within their respective responsibilities. Complaints or information from other bodies could trigger enforcement; cases involving platforms supervised elsewhere in the EU would be referred to the relevant national authority.
The government links the proposal to concerns about anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and impaired concentration among children. Skertsos also emphasised parents’ need for support against algorithms designed to sustain children’s engagement. Although ministers argue that a clear age threshold backed by reliable checks would offer protection while safeguarding privacy, the measure’s effectiveness would depend on platforms fulfilling their obligations.
